MrBen

So today I had a hard day and I felt like drinking, more than I have for a long time. I even had that voice in my head which told me I'd be alright, that I had nothing to do tomorrow, that nobody would know, that it's what normal people do. You know, the voice that's trying to kill you.

So, I came up with a list of things alcohol has taken away from me to help me get over this craving. Here's the most significant.

4 years of my life
My self respect
My career
My sanity
The respect of my loved ones

least

I lost my Self while I was drinking. I didn't know who I was anymore. I'm glad those days are over...

Aarryckha

It might be easier to say what it didn't take.

Finnie

Ya, I lost myself, my dignity, my self respect and my soul.

I don't know if they're going to come back!

phoebe64

My health.

Aarryckha

My family and friends
My feeling of worth
My dignity
My ambition
Maybe (probably) my health
Lots of money
My personality





But at least I still have my cats!

keithurbanfan

Many years of being totally "present" in my son's life, 2 homes, countless dollars, self respect, all relationships with my family and my in-laws (I've isolated myself from everyone). I'm working on repairing some of that damage now. This is a good idea, Mr. Ben. Remembering all the negative stuff is most definitely reason enough not to take that first drink.

Aarryckha

You're right, it is. I'm just trying to not let it depress me /laughs

Leshar

Stay strong!
You cannot gain back time, but you have every chance to get back the other elements on your list!
Good luck!

deeker

I actually gave it away by choosing to drink despite bad consequences.

I sold my soul and everything that came with it. Family, house, truck, sanity, freedom, health.

Imabuleva

I lost my dignity and self respect.

Just a few days sober, and I'm painfully aware everyone including my family knows I'm an alcoholic. Though most of my family is too. And I doubt those who are have stopped drinking. Oh well, I just have to focus on myself. Can't have that first drink or it's back to square one. :|

Cheydinhal

Thanks MrBen - I needed to read this. I wasn't close to drinking, but I've had some thoughts lately and the voice has been annoying the sh*t out of me. I do my daily reflections reading/journaling and I pray more than daily and I attend AA meetings but the voice has been quite active over the past few days - SCREW THAT VOICE!! Long live sobriety, serenity, peace, and love free from substances

Dee74

Everything.

D

Kjell

The truth.